What you need to know
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the first game from small developer Sandfall Interactive and will be launching day 1 on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.
- A brand new gameplay trailer was shown behind closed doors at Gamescom 2024, and launched publically yesterday showing the unique combat mechanics and dark fantasy setting of the game.
- The game looks incredible using the Unreal Engine 5, and was my favorite game at the whole conference.
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must admit that the upcoming title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has caught my attention like none other. The blend of turn-based and real-time combat, the intriguing characters, and the tantalizing hints of a deeper narrative have me hooked.
After attending Gamescom for the first time, the most frequent question I’ve been asked is, “What was your favorite game you saw?” Previously, I had to remain tight-lipped about it. However, last night, the embargo on the gameplay reveal trailer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was lifted, allowing everyone to watch the amazing trailer we were shown in private. Now, I can confidently declare that this game is my absolute favorite! Additionally, I got to observe a developer playing the game and discuss its ideas with them. For now, let’s analyze the fresh new trailer.
Characters I immediately want to know more about
As a researcher delving into the world of video games, I can attest that condensing an intricate narrative into a game trailer is quite a challenge, yet Clair Obscur manages it effortlessly. Upon first glance, we’re introduced to two principal characters, Gustave, the diligent and resourceful engineer, and Lune, the passionate scholar and mage. They embark on a journey retracing the footsteps of earlier Expeditions, with Expedition 33 not being their first attempt. The stakes are high as many before them have failed, but what exactly they’re seeking remains a mystery. We know so far that a ‘Painteress’ is systematically reducing the population and shortening lifespans in this world. Gustave notes, “There was a time 30 was considered young.”
Combat like nothing I’ve seen before
In essence, the combat in Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, as showcased in the trailer and behind-the-scenes gameplay, was exceptionally captivating, unlike any other I’ve encountered before. This game blends two distinct forms of combat – turn-based for the player characters and real-time for enemies – into an uncommon mix. Admittedly, I was a bit let down that we didn’t get hands-on experience with a controller during the demonstration.
Gustave has a number of skills including Overcharge and Marking Shot.
Lune, a mage, can use Healing Light and Immolation in her attacks
Maelle, the youngest character wields a sword to pierce her enemies
In this game, as characters take their turns using an Action Point (AP) system, the action transitions to real-time during the enemy turn. During these real-time segments, players can dodge attacks, parry, and counter, as demonstrated by the developers in both the gameplay trailer and live playthrough at Gamescom. However, they emphasized that mastering the parry move is challenging, although it may appear easier when practiced repeatedly during long gaming sessions for the benefit of viewers.
In a moment reminiscent of actual battle, the group prepares themselves as the foe, the Goblu, leaps, offering you a chance to block or evade.
The group successfully dodge the enemy attack
Deflecting an assault can be quite challenging, yet managing to do so sets the stage for a subsequent retaliatory strike.
Maelle successfully counters the enemy, following which we are returned to turn-based combat.
In the heat of battle, there’s a Quick Time Event (QTE) system that lets you perform stunning combos, dealing extra damage to your enemies. After the brief skirmish, Luna hints that maybe not every encounter in Lumière needs to be fought – perhaps avoiding battles could have prevented this one? It’s also possible, with the dodge and parry features, to complete a fight unscathed, so I expect to see lots of ‘hitless’ speedruns on YouTube when the game releases.
We’ll be able to unlock new skins for our characters
Towards the conclusion of the presentation, I inquired if we would have the opportunity to personalize our characters within the Lumiere universe. The creators confirmed that cosmetic customization options will indeed be provided, allowing you to earn maximum Style points and acquire new character skins as you progress through the game. Enthusiasts of Style Souls should undoubtedly get excited! I, along with many others, eagerly anticipate delving into the world that Sandfall Interactive will introduce next year.
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2024-08-29 14:09